With the modernization of the country's military forces now on high gear, the Philippine Army is focusing on acquiring more heavy and potent weapons to bolster up its firepower capability.
This is demonstrated by the Army's latest acquisition of 100 brand-new units of 81mm Serbian-made mortars.
Capt. Anthony Bacus, PA spokesperson, said their newest mortar has bore length of 1,455mm and weighs 47.1 kilograms, including various accessories such as base plate and beech ring.
It also has a bipod weight of 13.5 kilograms.
Bacus said the Serbian-made 81mm mortar can fire, without sighting corrections, 20 rounds per minutes and 15 rounds with sight corrections.
He added that it can fire high explosive rounds and smoke shells at a range of 5,070 meters and illuminating mortar shells for 3,644 meters.
With these capabilities, the weapon can bring a decisive effect in the battlefield against possible enemies of the country.
Another weapon being eyed is a shore-based missile system worth P6.5 billion.
Patrick Velez, Department of National Defense vice chairman for the Bids and Awards Committee, said once acquired, the weapon will be placed under the control and supervision of the Army.
The shore-based missiles will be carried out through “limited source bidding."
Velez defines limited source bidding as a process where certain companies are invited to submit bids for a project.
No other details were given for security reasons. But sources stressed that these shore-based missile system could consist of 12 launchers, trailers and tracking systems and missiles that could be fired to hit ground and naval targets.
Another weapon system in the process of acquisition for the Army are 12 units of towed 155mm howitzers for P438,620,000.
This includes 240 rounds of 155mm high explosive and integrated logistic support.
The project is undergoing bidding at the DND.
The 155mm howitzers are used for saturation and bombardment roles.
It can also be used to break up human wave attacks in the battlefield.
The Army is known to operate 12 units of 155mm "Soltam" howitzers which are being used by the Israeli Defense Forces.
Should this project bear fruit, the Army's artillery unit will boast of 24 units of long-range 155mm howitzers.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=599845
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